Deitz, Ellery Willes
Birth
Ellery Willes Deitz was born on Feburary 14, 1858 at Pleasant Valley, Town of Knox, Albany, NY. His parents were John Jost P. Deitz (Jul 12, 1817- March 5, 1872) of Town of Berne, Albany, NY. and Anna Maria Bassler ( August 9, 1815- April 16, 1889) of Town of Knox, Albany, NY. They had been married on January 4, 1838 at Berne, Albany, NY. Shortly after, they purchased an acre of land at Pleasant Valley from Anna Maria's brother, Elias Bassler, and moved to a small house there. Johan Jost P. Deitz was a Stone and Brick Mason at Pleasant Valley. Ellery was the youngest of six children.
Marriage and Children
Ellery married Carrie E. Warner daughter of John Warner 2nd and Catharine (Katie) West, on November 22, 1881 at Town of Berne, Albany, NY. On December 22, 1886, Ellery purchased the Pleasant Valley house from his mother, Anna Maria Bassler Deitz by deed for one dollar and "further consideration of her maintenance and support as long as she lives".
Ellery and Carrie had the following children:
- Nellie B. Deitz was born October 26, 1883 at Pleasant Valley, Town of Knox, Albany. She died on March 18, 1929 at the Town of Berne, Albany, NY, at age 42. Nellie was afflicted with severe rheumatoid arthritis and was confined to a wheel chair during her adult years. However, she had a pleasant personality and provided help to many people with encouraging words. Rev. A. Seso of the Berne Reformed Church wrote a poem in her honor called" The Martyr of the Hills" for her funeral.
- Frederick N. Deitz was born November 3, 1887 at Pleasant Valley, Town of Knox, Albany, NY. He married Theodora N. Haverly of West Berne, daughter of William J. Haverly and Carrie E. Naughright, on June 25, 1908 at Gallupville, Schoharie, NY.
In 1899, Ellery and Carrie purchased a house on Jug Street in Berne and the family moved from Pleasant Valley.
Occupation and Organizations
Ellery was a Stone and Brick Mason by occupation. He was a member of the Masons, and the Berne Reformed Church.
Death
He died on May 17, 1914 at the Town of Berne, Albany, NY. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, Town of Berne, Albany, NY.
Obituary
As published in the Altamont Enterprise May 22, 1914
On Sunday afternoon, May 17, 1914, at his home in the village of Berne, Ellery Deitz passed from earth, aged 56 years. Mr. Deitz had been ill for months, and all who had watched his brave struggle against disease had hoped that with the new life of the springtime, renewed vigor might be his; but that was not to be. To him, the end brought only joy; but for those of his stricken family who bear the sadness of separation, the blow is indeed crushing. To the frail daughter, who has borne with patient and cheerful courage an ever-increasing burden of helplessness and pain, and to the faithful, heroic wife, left together in the lonely home, is given the affectionate sympathy of their many friends in unstinted measure. Mr. Deitz was a man of happy and friendly nature, and in his home life these lovable qualities were constantly manifested. To those who mourn his going is left the sweet memory of many happy years. But more abundant comfort is theirs in the blessed knowledge that their loved one has entered into “the rest that remaineth for the people of God,” where they, too, shall find entrance. He leaves also a son, Fred N. Deitz, and two grandsons. The funeral service was held at the home on Wednesday afternoon. Rev. A.A. Seso, his pastor, had charge of the service. Mr. Deitz had been lately elected an elder of the Reformed church at Berne, but had not yet been installed in office.
